Glendronach 10 Years Old 2008 (SMWS 96.29)

This Glendronach was bottled by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, a 10 year old, distilled in 2008, from cask 96.29, at 55.9%, one of 80 bottles. Glendronach is a Highland single malt known for its heavy Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry maturation. It was the last distillery in Scotland to fire its stills with coal, converting to steam only in 2005.

It was distilled in copper pot stills, for a weighty, full spirit the sherry casks then deepen. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, oak lactones lending a creamy vanilla. By the integrating teens the raw notes fade and esters build, the rich spirit growing rounder and darker. Years in oak deepen the spirit to a darker gold, the body growing rounder and more resinous with time. The full bodied spirit takes active wood well, carrying its dark sugars through the years. The full spirit deepens with time, the cask drawing out its darker register.

At 55.9%, undiluted, it is dark and full. Raisin, chocolate and a warm spice, lifted by a sweet oak. The mouthfeel is full and coating, the fruit dark and sweet. It finishes long, full and fruity. This is a rich Highland malt of dried fruit and chocolate.